From LED to T5

[kiMxD]

Cant go wrong with T5s, it just doesn't get any simpler. Light replacement costs add up but they flat out work. I've been running an AquaticLife hybrid for a few months now and have been mostly happy. They dont put out the PAR that some of the quality T5 units do for some reason (likely temperature and the reflectors that lack-luster). With that said, I've had good results on an acropora dominant setup even though the fixture was intended for our other tank.

The fixture I’m looking to buy is not hybrid, it’s 6 bulb high output 6 lamps. Do you think I should be fine with it? Thanks man!

 

[kiMxD]

Hey all, I just wanted to thank everybody for your help. Your input was crucial to my final decision.

I just bought the ATI 60" 6x80w bulb + 4 ati blue plus + 1 ati coral plus + 1 ati purple plus. I am planning on using only that to light my (future) SPS tank.
In your opinion, did I do the right thing?

Thank you!

 

[JoshKReef]

Yes, I just bought an ATI powermodule and love it.

You may want to consider adding Reefbrite LED's later down the line, they just attach. You may want the pop of some LEDs

 

[JoshKReef]

Hopefully ATI doesn't join the black friday sale, i heard they will be added to the sales Could probably save 80 bucks if its 10% off, 160 if its 20%

 

[kiMxD]

Hopefully ATI doesn't join the black friday sale, i heard they will be added to the sales Could probably save 80 bucks if its 10% off, 160 if its 20%

I was told by someone at BRS today that if they do join the sale, I am entitled for reimbursement of the amount I'd get off, so no problem

 

[kiMxD]

Yes, I just bought an ATI powermodule and love it.

You may want to consider adding Reefbrite LED's later down the line, they just attach. You may want the pop of some LEDs

I know right, but it means another $400.00 bucks for an LED strip. I guess this one will have to wait haha

 

[Daniel Waters]

Hey all, I just wanted to thank everybody for your help. Your input was crucial to my final decision.

I just bought the ATI 60" 6x80w bulb + 4 ati blue plus + 1 ati coral plus + 1 ati purple plus. I am planning on using only that to light my (future) SPS tank.
In your opinion, did I do the right thing?

Rest assured, a 6 bulb ATI T5 fixture for your tank is a perfectly good choice and the right # of bulbs given your tank width of 18". You will have plenty of light and certainly won't NEED any LEDs (WANT is another matter). The deep blue / actinic type LEDs really are a nice addition, though. They can provide a little more "pop" to the tank, are great for dawn / dusk applications, and mixes seamlessly with the T5 lighting.

Your bulb choice is a fine choice to start with as well. If you want to go whiter, you can easily swap out one of the blue plus bulbs for another coral plus. If you want a deeper blue color, you will have to consider adding in a pure actinic bulb for a blue plus (which will only help slightly) or one of the coral plus / purple plus bulbs (which would be more noticeable).

If you've been running your LEDs pretty blue, it may take a few days or weeks before you get used to the different look, so don't freak out thinking the tank is too "white"

 

[Velcro]

I like the idea of using two 36inch fixtures. What bulbs do you recommend? How often should I change them? Thanks for putting the links together, really appreciate that!

Two 36” fixtures is unnecessary bulb cost. A 60” ati 6 bulb would be perfect for this tank. I’ve done the retrofit thing and I’ve done the ati thing on several tanks and the ati is a NO BRAINER. You even save on bulb costs vs other fixtures because of the active cooling. You can get 18 months on bulbs in an ati fixture.

Here’s a 60” 6 bulb from ati’a scratch and dent section for $500. It has some bent reflectors which you could just replace if you wanted but it probably barely makes a difference in performance.

https://store.atinorthamerica.com/c...e-dent-to-housing-imperfections-to-reflectors

 

[kiMxD]

Two 36” fixtures is unnecessary bulb cost. A 60” ati 6 bulb would be perfect for this tank. I’ve done the retrofit thing and I’ve done the ati thing on several tanks and the ati is a NO BRAINER. You even save on bulb costs vs other fixtures because of the active cooling. You can get 18 months on bulbs in an ati fixture.

Here’s a 60” 6 bulb from ati’a scratch and dent section for $500. It has some bent reflectors which you could just replace if you wanted but it probably barely makes a difference in performance.

https://store.atinorthamerica.com/c...e-dent-to-housing-imperfections-to-reflectors

Thank you so much man. Shame on me I ordered a new unit from BRS earlier today. Hahahaha

 

[Saltysav96]

I know right, but it means another $400.00 bucks for an LED strip. I guess this one will have to wait haha

have you looked into the orphek OR bars or even sbars? way cheaper then reefbrites and imo better. i use to have a reefbrite tech strip and then i got 2 orpheks (sky blue and UV ) i love them, alot stronger then my reefbrite was.

 

[Daniel Waters]

As @Savannah16 suggested, an Orphek LED bar might be a cost effective led addition if you decide to go that route. They only have up to 48 inch lengths, but it would still give you full coverage with 120 degree lenses. You won't need the par with your T5s anyway. If you go with one, I'd do the UV / Violet. They will also customize so you could do a UV / Violet and throw in the deep blue led with it also (so it would be 410 nm, 430 nm, and 460 nm LEDs).

 

[Saltysav96]

Also suggest seeing the thread on here by orphek on the OR bars.

 

[T-5unsystem]

I like the idea of using two 36inch fixtures. What bulbs do you recommend? How often should I change them? Thanks for putting the links together, really appreciate that!

I am glad you didn't do 2x 36" fixtures, the cost of bulbs really adds up when you double the quantity!

Congrats on your new light, it should serve you well.

 

[kiMxD]

I am glad you didn't do 2x 36" fixtures, the cost of bulbs really adds up when you double the quantity!

Congrats on your new light, it should serve you well.

Thank you T5sun!
I got the lights installed this week. Looks very sleek and was very easy to install. I hope it helps me start producing results with my first attempt to keep SPS.

 

[kiMxD]

have you looked into the orphek OR bars or even sbars? way cheaper then reefbrites and imo better. i use to have a reefbrite tech strip and then i got 2 orpheks (sky blue and UV ) i love them, alot stronger then my reefbrite was.

Will look into it today, thanks for the tip!

 

[T-5unsystem]

Will look into it today, thanks for the tip!

Keep in mind there are many models of the reefbrite strips, so it depends on which one he was comparing. Also ReefBrite has a very unique blue LED they use unlikely anyone else in the hobby.

LumiLite
LumiLite Duo
Tech Strip
XHO (most powerful)

IMO its worth sticking with a known solid player in the LED strip game, and you can't beat their blue.

 

[ReeferReefer]

I use a Sunlight Systems Tek T5 fixture with 6 bulbs. Cheaper than ATI and has been solid for 7 years of continued use, and I bought them used so who knows how long it's really lasted.

http://www.saltycritter.com/lighting/sunlight-supply/tek-light-t5.htm

 

[kiMxD]

I use a Sunlight Systems Tek T5 fixture with 6 bulbs. Cheaper than ATI and has been solid for 7 years of continued use, and I bought them used so who knows how long it's really lasted.

http://www.saltycritter.com/lighting/sunlight-supply/tek-light-t5.htm

Thank you for the tip, I already purchased the ATI. I don't regret it, I like the looks and output. Just trying to find a better LED strip now, as my email conversation with Orphek end up in nothing, they don't have a 60" strip and I have no clue how to attach a 48" strip to a 60" fixture.

 

[Saltysav96]

Thank you for the tip, I already purchased the ATI. I don't regret it, I like the looks and output. Just trying to find a better LED strip now, as my email conversation with Orphek end up in nothing, they don't have a 60" strip and I have no clue how to attach a 48" strip to a 60" fixture.

I have a 60" ATI fixture and mounted my 48" orphek with no issue. Just screw it to the fixture. Easy as that. I can get pics when i get home

 

[kiMxD]

I have a 60" ATI fixture and mounted my 48" orphek with no issue. Just screw it to the fixture. Easy as that. I can get pics when i get home

Did you have to drill your fixture? How did you get this done without drilling the fixture?